JP2011055348A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation portions, in which an operation portion that an owner of a document is operating is specified. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1, when detecting a document (S1), displays an inquiry screen for inquiring whether the user sets the document at the plurality of operation portions (S2). Only at an operation portion where "YES" is selected in response to the inquiry screen, a start button for indicating a printing start or facsimile transmission start is made effective and at an operation portion where "NO" is selected to the inquiry screen, a start button is made ineffective (S6). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of operation units, and more particularly, to a technique for specifying an operation unit operated by an owner of a document detected by a document table or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

Development of an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of operation units is in progress.
This is because the image forming apparatus has a remote control type operation unit that allows remote access to the main body in addition to the operation unit provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is possible to accept the operation.
Patent Document 1 discloses an invention of an image processing apparatus that performs image processing in a plurality of operation modes such as a printer operation mode and a copy operation mode. The present invention has two independent operation units, a printer operation unit and a copy operation unit, and sets an accessible storage area for each operation unit. As a result, it is possible to limit the storage area in which the operation conditions to be referred to by each operation mode are stored, and to use the operation conditions set by each operation mode independently, even if there are a plurality of operation units. It can be done.

JP 2000-32186 A

In the image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation units as described above, when one user places a document on the platen and tries to operate a certain operation unit, another user presses the start button on the other operation unit. In this case, a process unintended by the owner of the document is performed. If printing processing or fax transmission is mistakenly performed, problems such as waste of resources and information leakage occur.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation units, an operation operated by the document owner to prevent an operation unintended by the document owner. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of specifying a part.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that reads a document and generates image data, a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a document, a plurality of operation units that receive user operations, When the detection unit detects a document, input information indicating the relationship between the detected document and the user is received from one or more operation units, and the content of the received input information is determined to determine the owner of the document. And a control means for specifying an operation unit operated by the control unit from the plurality of operation units.

According to the present invention, when an original is detected in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation units, the owner of the original operates from a plurality of users who operate the plurality of operation units. The operation unit can be specified.
For example, when a plurality of operation units are located away from the main body of the image forming apparatus, that is, the document table on which the document is set, the operation unit is set after the document owner sets the document on the document table. There is a high possibility that another user will operate another operation unit until the operation is performed. If the present invention is used in such a case, it is possible to prevent an operation not intended by the owner from being performed by specifying the operation unit operated by the owner of the document.

  Here, each of the plurality of operation units includes a display unit, and the control unit outputs an inquiry screen for inquiring a user whether or not the document is an owner to the display unit of the plurality of operation units. The document owner operates the operation unit that receives the input information that is a response to the inquiry screen from one or more operation units, determines the content of the input information, and transmits a positive response. You may comprise so that it may be an operating part which is.

According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus can ask the user who operates each operation unit to ask the owner of the document and obtain an answer from the user. The part can be reliably identified.
Here, the control unit may be configured to output the inquiry screen to the display unit of each operation unit in the order in which each operation unit starts accepting the operation by the user.

The control unit includes an operation order storage unit that stores an order in which each operation unit starts accepting operations by the user, and the display unit of each operation unit displays the operation order in the order stored in the operation order storage unit. The inquiry screen may be output.
Of a plurality of operation units, a user who sets a document on a document table or a document tray (document owner) operates, for example, an operation unit provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus instead of a remote control type operation unit. The possibility is considered high. In addition, it is highly likely that the operation unit that receives the user's login first and starts the operation from among a plurality of operation units is the operation unit operated by the document owner.

Therefore, by outputting the inquiry screens in the order in which the operation unit accepts the user's operation, the image forming apparatus can identify the operation unit operated by the document owner earlier.
Here, the image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads a document placed on a platen and generates image data, and a data storage unit that stores image data generated by the image reading unit, The control unit may be configured to identify the owner of the document after the image data is generated by the image reading unit and the generated image data is stored in the data storage unit.

According to this configuration, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is set on the document table to when the document is read. The document table can be opened for the next user before the process of specifying the document owner is completed.
Here, the image forming apparatus includes an automatic document feeder that automatically conveys a document placed on a document tray to a document table, and the data storage unit is generated from a plurality of documents including the document. A plurality of image data is stored, and the control means specifies an operation unit operated by an owner of each document corresponding to each image data for the plurality of image data stored in the data storage unit You may comprise.

That is, an image forming apparatus equipped with an ADF automatically reads a document every time a document is set on the document tray of the ADF. Then, after reading of a plurality of documents is completed, the owner of each document may be specified.
According to this configuration, it is possible to shorten the time from when the document is set on the document tray to when the document is read. The document tray can be opened for the next user before the process of specifying the document owner is completed.

Each user can finish reading the original document first, store the original data in the data storage unit, and instruct printing or fax transmission when necessary later.
Here, the control means outputs a selection screen for allowing a user to select his or her own document from the plurality of documents on the display means of the plurality of operation units, and the plurality of operation units to the selection screen. Receiving the input information that is the user's selection, determining the content of the input information, and for each of the plurality of image data stored in the data storage unit, the operation unit selected by the user as his / her own document, The operation unit operated by the owner of each document corresponding to the image data may be specified.

According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus allows the user who operates each operation unit to select an original document from a plurality of original documents, thereby performing an operation performed by the owner of each original document. The part can be reliably identified.
Here, the control unit includes an image analysis unit that analyzes the image data stored in the data storage unit, and feature information for inputting features of the original document to the display unit of the plurality of operation units. An input screen is output, the input information that is input to the feature information input screen is received from the plurality of operation units, and the image analysis unit analyzes the image data stored in the data storage unit according to the input information By doing so, the operation unit operated by the owner of the plurality of documents may be specified.

According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus can specify the operation unit operated by the owner of the document by searching for data based on the keyword, document size, document characteristics, and the like included in the document.
Here, the image forming apparatus includes a document table or an automatic document feeder provided with a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user, and the biometric information acquisition unit is a document table or an automatic document that is owned by the document owner. When the original is set on the transport device, the biometric information of the owner is acquired, and each of the plurality of operation units includes a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires the biometric information of the user as the input information, and the control The means includes a biometric information authentication unit that compares the biometric information of the owner and the biometric information of the user who operates each operation unit, and the biometric information authentication unit has an error between the biometric information that is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The operation unit determined to be may be configured to be specified as the operation unit operated by the owner.

According to this configuration, since determination is performed using biometric information (biometric information) having uniqueness and permanence for each user, it is possible to reliably identify the operation unit operated by the document owner. .
Here, the image forming apparatus uses the biometric authentication information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit of each operation unit for authentication processing when a user operating the operation unit logs in to the image forming apparatus. It may be configured.

According to this configuration, since the biometric authentication mechanism is used in the login process and the process of specifying the owner of the document, it is not necessary to provide a different mechanism for each process.
Here, the image forming apparatus receives a print instruction related to the document from the operation unit operated by the document owner, and applies the print instruction to the document from the operation unit operated by a user other than the document owner. Such a print instruction may be prohibited.

  According to this configuration, since the printing instruction of the document owner is received and the printing instruction of the user other than the document owner is not received, the printing process not intended by the document owner is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent waste of resources and information leakage.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an operation part. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus 1. It is a figure of the inquiry screen 120 displayed on the screen display part of an operation part. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 2 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the information memorize | stored in the operation order memory | storage part. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus 2. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 3 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 3. It is a figure of the image selection screen 310 displayed on the screen display part of an operation part. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 4 according to a fourth embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 4. (A) It is a figure of the keyword input screen 410 displayed on the screen display part of an operation part. (B) It is a figure of the original size selection screen 420 concerning a modification. (C) It is a figure of the characteristic information input screen 430 which concerns on a modification. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 5 according to a fifth embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 5. It is a figure for demonstrating validation and invalidation of a start button. It is a flowchart for demonstrating control of validation and invalidation of a start button.

Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings.
1. Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunctional composite device having a scanner function (printing function), a printer function, a FAX function, and the like.

The image forming apparatus 1 can be carried away from the operation unit 105a provided in the main body and a place away from the main body, and can perform remote access to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 by wireless communication such as a wireless LAN. A unit 105b and an operation unit 105c. Each operation unit receives operations from different users.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a FAX unit 101, a printer unit 102, a scanner unit 103, an ADF 104, an operation unit 105a, an operation unit 105b, an operation unit 105c, and a control unit 106.
The FAX unit 101 functions as a modem for transmitting and receiving image data via a public line.

When the control unit 106 receives a print process, the printer unit 102 prints the data converted for printing on paper and outputs it as a paper document. Note that the printer unit 102 may be provided with a finisher having a finishing function such as sorting, punching holes, or stable attachment.
The scanner unit 103 includes a document table made of platen glass and an image reading unit. In the scanner unit 103, when the control unit 106 receives a scan process, the image reading unit reads an image such as a character, a figure, or a photograph from a paper document placed on the document table, and outputs image data including electronic data. Generate. The scanner unit 103 includes a detection unit 110 that detects that a paper document is placed on the document table. When detecting that the paper document is placed on the document table, the detection unit 110 notifies the control unit 106 to that effect.

  The ADF 104 is an apparatus that is provided above the scanner unit 103 and automatically conveys a plurality of paper documents placed on the document tray one by one to the document table of the scanner unit 103. The ADF 104 may have a Duplex function for performing double-sided scanning. The ADF 104 includes a detection unit 111 that detects that a paper document is placed on the document tray. When the detection unit 111 detects that a paper document is placed on the document tray, the detection unit 111 notifies the control unit 106 accordingly.

The operation unit 105 a is a control device for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 1, generates input information corresponding to the user operation, and notifies the control unit 106 of the generated input information. Further, the operation unit 105a receives various screen information from the control unit 106, and outputs (displays) the received screen information to a display unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation unit 105a. The operation unit 105a includes an operation button unit 115 in which various buttons such as a numeric keypad, a start button 117, and a stop button are arranged, and a screen display unit 116 that is a display unit that displays various screens. Specifically, the screen display unit 116 is a touch panel liquid crystal display, and can accept an input when the user presses on the screen. As the screen display unit 116, an organic EL display may be used instead of the liquid crystal display.

A start button 117 included in the operation button unit 115 is a button for instructing to start reading a document accompanying a scan process (print process) and a fax transmission process.
The appearances of the operation unit 105b and the operation unit 105c are the same as those in FIG. As described above, the operation unit 105b and the operation unit 105c can remotely access the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless LAN. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a network connection unit (not shown), and the operation unit 105b and the operation unit 105c transmit input information to the control unit 106 via the wireless LAN and the network connection unit. Or receiving screen information from the control unit 106.

Each operation unit starts to operate when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1. However, in this embodiment, a different user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1 in each operation unit, and each operation has already been performed. A description will be given assuming that the unit is operating.
The control unit 106 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, and the like. Various computer programs for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to function such as an overall control program, an image processing program, and a network control program are recorded in the HDD or ROM. The control unit 106 controls various units and controls the functions and operations of the image forming apparatus 1 as a whole by the CPU executing various computer programs using the working RAM.

In addition, the control unit 106 has a characteristic function of the present invention that specifies an operation unit operated by the document owner and enables only a start button of the operation unit.
Next, a process in which the image forming apparatus 1 identifies an operation unit operated by the document owner and validates only the start button of the operation unit will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
First, when the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111 detects a document (step S1), the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111 notifies the control unit 106 to that effect.

Upon receiving a document detection notification from the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111, the control unit 106 transmits screen information for displaying an inquiry screen to all the operation units. Each operation unit, when receiving screen information from the control unit 106, outputs an inquiry screen to the screen display unit (step S2).
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an inquiry screen 120 displayed on the screen display unit of each operation unit. The inquiry screen 120 displays a message 121 “A document has been detected. Have you placed a document?”, A button 122 for selecting “Yes” in response to the message 121, and “No”. Button 123.

A user who is viewing the inquiry screen 120 displayed on the screen display unit of each operation unit selects a button “Yes” if the document set on the document table or the ADF 104 is a document set by the user. If the original is not set by the user, the button 123 for selecting “NO” is pressed.
Each operation unit generates input information indicating the button pressed by the user and transmits the input information to the control unit 106.

The control unit 106 determines input information received from each operation unit.
Specifically, the control unit 106 determines whether or not “Yes” is selected in one operation unit. If no operation unit has selected “Yes” (NO in step S3), it is determined whether or not “No” has been selected for all operation units.
If “NO” is not selected in all the operation units (NO in step S4), the control unit 106 returns to step S3 and continues the process because there is an operation unit that has not yet transmitted input information. When “No” is selected in all the operation units (YES in step S4), the image forming apparatus 1 ends the process.

When “Yes” is selected in one operation unit (YES in step S3), each operation unit deletes the inquiry screen 120 displayed on the screen display unit (step S5).
Then, the control unit 106 enables the start button only for the operation unit selected “Yes”, and keeps the start button of the operation unit selected “No” disabled (step S6).

Here, validation and invalidation of the start button will be described.
The activation of the start button means that when the user presses the start button of the operation unit, processing corresponding to the start button is performed, and the invalidation of the start button means that the user presses the start button of the operation unit. This means that even if the button is pressed, the control unit 106 masks the input information and does not perform processing corresponding to the start button.

In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of operation units are operating and a document is set on the document table or the ADF, the operation unit operated by the owner of the set document is specified. Until this is done, the start button is disabled in all operation units.
Specifically, the control unit 106 manages a table in which information for identifying each operation unit is associated with a flag. The flag is set to “0” or “1”. “0” indicates that the start button of the corresponding operation unit is disabled, and “1” indicates that the start button of the corresponding operation unit is enabled.

  Therefore, when a plurality of operation units are operating, the control unit 106 first sets a flag to “0” in all the operation units. Thereafter, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 4 is performed, and when the operation unit operated by the document owner is specified, the flag corresponding to the specified operation unit is rewritten to “1”, thereby Only the start button of the operation unit operated by the user is enabled.

  FIG. 17 shows a table 500 which is one specific example of a table managed by the control unit 106. In the table 500, the flag corresponding to the operation unit 105a is “1”, and the flags corresponding to the operation unit 105b and the operation unit 105c are both “0”. Accordingly, the table 500 indicates that the start button 117 of the operation unit 105a is enabled, and the start button of the operation unit 105b and the start button of the operation unit 105c are disabled.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the control unit 106 receives input information indicating that the start button has been pressed from each operation unit.
The control unit 106 reads a flag corresponding to the operation unit that has pressed the start button from the table managed internally (step S71). If the flag is “1” (“1” in step S72), processing corresponding to the start button is performed (step S73). If the flag is “0” (“0” in step S72), the process ends without performing the process corresponding to the start button.

It should be noted that the start button validation and invalidation processing described here can also be used in all embodiments 2 to 5 described later.
2. Embodiment 2
Next, the image forming apparatus 2 that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, the inquiry screen 120 is simultaneously output to all operating units that are operating. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the inquiry screen 120 is output to each operation unit in the order in which each operation unit accepts a user operation.

The appearance of the image forming apparatus 2 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. Here, components having the same functions as those of the image forming apparatus 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
The control unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation order storage unit 210. The control unit 206 accepts a user login to the image forming apparatus 2 via each operation unit, and each time the login process by the control unit 206 ends normally, information for identifying the operation unit that has accepted the login is displayed as an operation. Register in the order storage unit 210.

The control unit 206 includes a user information management unit, an authentication unit, and the like in order to perform user login processing. In the user information management unit, information related to the user such as a user ID and a password of a user who can use the image forming apparatus 2 is registered.
When the control unit 206 receives the user ID and password together with the login request from the operation unit, the authentication unit compares the received information with the information registered in the user information management unit, and determines the login request. It is determined whether or not such a user is a user who can use the image forming apparatus 2.

When the received information matches the registered information, the authentication unit determines that the user can use the image forming apparatus 2, and the login process by the control unit 206 ends normally. The authentication unit determines that the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 2 when the received information does not match the registered information.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by the operation order storage unit 210. As shown in the figure, the operation order storage unit 210 manages the serial numbers from 1 to 3 in association with information for identifying each operation unit. That is, first, the operation unit 105c accepts a user operation, second, the operation unit 105a accepts a user operation, and third, the operation unit 105b accepts a user operation.

The control unit 206 refers to the information managed by the operation order storage unit 210 and outputs the inquiry screen 120 to each operation unit in the order in which each operation unit accepts a user operation.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment identifies an operation unit operated by the document owner and validates only the start button of the operation unit.
In the case of the present embodiment, first, when a user logs in from each operation unit prior to document detection, the control unit 206 registers information for identifying the operation unit in the operation order storage unit 210 in the order in which the login is accepted. (Step S11).

Subsequently, when the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111 detects a document (step S12), the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111 notifies the control unit 206 to that effect.
Upon receiving the document detection notification from the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111, the control unit 206 refers to the information managed by the operation order storage unit 210, identifies the operation unit having the first operation order, Screen information for displaying an inquiry screen on the first operation unit is transmitted. The operation unit that has received the screen information outputs an inquiry screen 120 to the screen display unit (step S13).

The control unit 206 determines whether “Yes” is selected on the inquiry screen 120 from the input information received from the first operation unit. When “Yes” is selected (YES in step S14), the control unit 206 enables the start button only in the first operation unit (step S15). At this time, the start buttons of the other operation units remain disabled.
When “Yes” is not selected on the first operation unit (NO in step S14), the control unit 206 refers to the information managed by the operation sequence storage unit 210 and performs an operation with the second operation sequence. The part is specified, and screen information for displaying the inquiry screen is transmitted to the second operation part. The operation unit that has received the screen information outputs the inquiry screen 120 to the screen display unit (step S16).

The control unit 206 determines whether or not “Yes” is selected on the inquiry screen 120 from the input information received from the second operation unit. When “Yes” is selected (YES in step S17), the control unit 206 enables the start button only in the second operation unit (step S18). At this time, the start buttons of the other operation units remain disabled.
When “Yes” is not selected in the second operation unit (NO in step S17), the control unit 206 refers to the information managed by the operation sequence storage unit 210, and the operation is in the third operation sequence. The screen information for displaying the inquiry screen is transmitted to the third operation unit. The operation unit that has received the screen information outputs the inquiry screen 120 to the screen display unit (step S19).

The control unit 206 determines whether or not “Yes” is selected on the inquiry screen 120 from the input information received from the third operation unit. When “Yes” is selected (YES in step S20), the control unit 206 enables the start button only in the third operation unit (step S21). At this time, the start buttons of the other operation units remain disabled.
When “Yes” is not selected on the third operation unit (NO in Step S20), the control unit 206 determines whether “No” is selected on all the operation units. When “No” is not selected in all the operation units (NO in step S22), the control unit 206 returns to step S13 and continues the process. When “NO” is selected in all the operation units (YES in step S22), the image forming apparatus 2 ends the process.
3. Embodiment 3
Next, the image forming apparatus 3 that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The appearance of the image forming apparatus 3 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. Here, components having the same functions as those of the image forming apparatus 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
The image forming apparatus 3 includes an image data storage unit 301 that temporarily stores the read image data.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, when an original is detected, an operation unit operated by the owner of the original is specified, and then an instruction to start reading the original accompanying the scan process or fax transmission process is given. The input of the start button 117 was accepted. That is, the first and second embodiments have a configuration in which reading of a document is started after the input of the start button 117 is received.

In contrast, in this embodiment, when a document is set on the document tray of the ADF 104, the ADF 104 automatically reads the set document. Then, the image reading unit of the scanner unit 103 generates image data, and stores the image data in the image data storage unit 301 (shared box) which is a temporary storage memory.
Next, when another user's document is set on the document tray, the ADF 104 automatically reads the other user's document. Then, the image reading unit of the scanner unit 103 generates image data and stores the image data in the image data storage unit 301.

  The control unit 306 specifies an operation unit that is operated by the owner of the original document that is the source of each image data for the plurality of image data stored in the image data storage unit 301, and specifies the specified operation unit Only accept the start button input. Here, in this embodiment, the meaning of the start button is different from that in the first and second embodiments. The start button in the first and second embodiments means that the reading of a document accompanying the scanning process or the fax transmission process is started. On the other hand, the start button of the third embodiment means the start of printing of a document that has already been read or the start of fax transmission.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 3.
When the detection unit 111 of the ADF 104 detects a document (step S31), the ADF 104 and the scanner unit 103 automatically read the document detected in step S31 and generate image data (step S32). Then, the scanner unit 103 stores the generated image data in the image data storage unit 301 (step S33).

Here, when the detection unit 111 continues to detect another document, the process may return to step S31 and repeat the processing of steps S31 to S33.
The following description is based on the assumption that a plurality of image data is stored in the image data storage unit 301. In addition, as a timing which starts the process after step S34, the control part 306 may receive the login of each operation part, and may start the process after step S34 after each operation part is in operation.

The control unit 306 generates screen information for displaying the image selection screen 310 on each operation unit, and transmits the generated screen information to all the operation units. The operation unit that has received the screen information outputs the image selection screen 310 to the screen display unit (step S34).
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image selection screen 310.
The image selection screen 310 displays a message 311 “The document has been saved in the shared box. Please select a document.” And information indicating the document that is the source of the image data stored in the image data storage unit 301. The document information 312, document information 313, a scroll bar 314 for referring to a plurality of document information, and an end button 315 are included. Each document information includes a thumbnail image of image data (document), the number of documents, and the date and time when the document was read.

In each operation unit, when the user touches the document information, the document information is selected. The selected document information is displayed in reverse video so that the user can know which document information is selected. If the user touches the selected document information again, the selection is canceled.
The user of the operation unit 105a determines whether there is document information of the document set by himself / herself while viewing the image selection screen 310 displayed on the screen display unit. If there is document information of a document set by itself, the document information is selected. When the user selects document information, the operation unit 105 a generates input information indicating the selected document information and transmits the input information to the control unit 306.

If there is no document information of the document set by the user, the user selects the end button 315. When the end button 315 is selected, the operation unit 105a generates input information indicating that fact and transmits it to the control unit 306.
The control unit 306 determines whether input information indicating image selection has been received from the operation unit 105a. If input information has not been received or input information indicating selection of the end button 315 has been received (NO in step S35), the process proceeds to step S38.

When the control unit 306 receives input information indicating image selection (YES in step S35), the control unit 306 deletes the document information of the selected image from the image selection screen 310 (step S36). As a result, the document information of the already selected image is not displayed on the image selection screen 310 displayed on each operation unit thereafter.
Then, the control unit 306 enables the start button of the operation unit 105a only for the image data selected by the operation unit 105a (step S37). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S38.

  The user of the operation unit 105b determines whether there is document information of the document set by the user while viewing the image selection screen 310 displayed on the screen display unit. If there is document information of a document set by itself, the document information is selected. When the user selects document information, the operation unit 105 b generates input information indicating the selected document information and transmits the input information to the control unit 306.

If there is no document information of the document set by the user, the user selects the end button 315. When the end button 315 is selected, the operation unit 105b generates input information indicating that fact and transmits it to the control unit 306.
The control unit 306 determines whether input information indicating image selection is received from the operation unit 105b. If input information has not been received or input information indicating selection of the end button 315 has been received (NO in step S38), the process proceeds to step S41.

When the control unit 306 receives input information indicating image selection (YES in step S38), the control unit 306 deletes the document information of the image selected by the operation unit 105b from the image selection screen 310 (step S39).
Then, the control unit 306 activates the start button of the operation unit 105b only for the image data selected by the operation unit 105b (step S40). Then, it progresses to step S41.

  The user of the operation unit 105c determines whether there is document information of the document set by the user while viewing the image selection screen 310 displayed on the screen display unit. If there is document information of a document set by itself, the document information is selected. When the user selects document information, the operation unit 105 c generates input information indicating the selected document information and transmits the input information to the control unit 306.

If there is no document information of the document set by the user, the user selects the end button 315. When the end button 315 is selected, the operation unit 105c generates input information indicating that fact and transmits it to the control unit 306.
The control unit 306 determines whether input information indicating image selection has been received from the operation unit 105c.

  When the control unit 306 receives input information indicating image selection (YES in step S41), the control unit 306 deletes the document information of the image selected by the operation unit 105c from the image selection screen 310 (step S42). Then, the control unit 306 activates the start button of the operation unit 105c only for the image data selected by the operation unit 105c (step S43). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S44.

When the control unit 306 has not received input information or has received input information indicating selection of the end button 315 (NO in step S41), the control unit 306 has all the operation units display the image selection screen 310. Judge whether or not confirmed.
In other words, if the input information has been received from all the operation units, the control unit 306 determines that the image selection screen 310 has been confirmed by all the operation units (YES in step S44), and ends the processing. To do.

If the input information has not been received from all the operation units, the control unit 306 determines that there is an operation unit that has not yet confirmed the image selection screen 310 (NO in step S44), and proceeds to step S35. Return and continue processing.
4). Embodiment 4
Next, the image forming apparatus 4 that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The appearance of the image forming apparatus 4 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 4. Here, components having the same functions as those in the first and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 2 and 9, and the description thereof is omitted.
The control unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 4 includes an image analysis unit 401. The image analysis unit 401 analyzes the image data stored in the image data storage unit 301, and the character string (keyword) received from each operation unit is included in the image data held in the image data storage unit 301. It has a function to determine whether or not. Since the character string search is a known technique, a description thereof will be omitted.

The user can input a keyword included in the document as feature information of the document set on the ADF 104 by using the operation unit. Then, the image analysis unit 401 searches the image data stored in the image data storage unit 301 for a keyword input by the user, thereby specifying the operation unit operated by the document owner.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 4.

When the detection unit 111 of the ADF 104 detects a document (step S51), the ADF 104 and the scanner unit 103 automatically read the document detected in step S51 and generate image data (step S52). Then, the scanner unit 103 stores the generated image data in the image data storage unit 301 (step S53).
Here, when the detection unit 111 continues to detect another document, the process may return to step S51 and repeat the processing of steps S51 to S53.

The following description is based on the assumption that a plurality of image data is stored in the image data storage unit 301. In addition, as a timing which starts the process after step S54, the control part 406 may receive the login of each operation part, and after each operation part is in operation, the process after step S54 may be started.
The control unit 406 generates screen information for displaying the keyword input screen 410 on each operation unit, and transmits the generated screen information to all the operation units. The operation unit that has received the screen information outputs the keyword input screen 410 to the screen display unit (step S54).

FIG. 14A shows a keyword input screen 410. As shown in the figure, the keyword input screen 410 includes a message 411 “The document has been saved in the shared box. Please enter the keyword of the document.”, An input field 412, and an end button 413. .
When the keyword input screen 410 is displayed on the screen display unit, the user inputs a character string included in his / her original as a keyword in the input field 412 using the operation unit. Here, the user may input a character string by operating various buttons on the operation unit, or may input a character string by drawing a character with a pen tip or a fingertip on the touch panel.

When each operation unit receives an input of a keyword from the user, each operation unit generates input information indicating the received keyword, and transmits the generated input information to the control unit 406. In addition, when each operation unit receives selection of the end button 413 from the user, the operation unit generates input information indicating that fact, and transmits the generated input information to the control unit 406.
When the control unit 406 receives input information indicating a keyword, the image analysis unit 401 analyzes the image data stored in the image data storage unit 301 (step S55), and whether or not there is image data including the keyword. Judge.

When there is image data including a keyword (YES in step S56), each operation unit deletes the keyword input screen (step S57), and for the image data including the matching keyword, the start button of the operation unit that has input the keyword Is validated (step S58). Then, the process proceeds to step S59.
When there is no image data including the keyword (NO in step S56), the control unit 406 determines whether the keyword is input or the end button 413 is selected in all the operation units.

If no keyword has been input or no end button 413 has been selected in all the operation units (NO in step S59), the process returns to step S55 to continue the processing. If a keyword has been input or the end button 413 has been selected in all the operation units (YES in step S59), the process ends.
(Modification of Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, the character string (keyword) included in the document is used as the document characteristic information. That is, the operation unit receives an input of a keyword from the user, the control unit 406 searches for a document including the input keyword, and the operation unit in which the keyword is input is an operation operated by the document owner. It was judged that it was a part.

However, Embodiment 4 is not limited to the above configuration.
The user inputs feature information indicating the features of the document, and the control unit searches the image data stored in the image data storage unit based on the input feature information, so that the owner of the document operates. The type of the feature information is not limited as long as the operation unit is identified.
For example, the size (size) of the document may be used as the feature information of the document. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14B, a document size selection screen 420 may be output to each operation unit to inquire the user of the document size.

The document size selection screen 420 displays a message 421 “A document has been saved in a shared box. Please select a document size.” And A3 size, A4 size, B4 size, B5 size, and postcard size. In addition, an icon 422 used for the user to select the size of his / her original and an end button 423 are included.
The control unit searches the document of the selected size and specifies the operation unit operated by the document owner. Then, the input of the start button for the document is validated only from the specified operation unit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14C, a feature information input screen 430 is output to each operation unit to allow the user to input whether the document is text (document) or a photograph as a feature of the document. It may be configured to input whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document.
The feature information input screen 430 displays the message 431 “The document has been saved in the share box. Please select the feature of the document” and the user's own from among text, photo, color, and monochrome. It includes an icon 432 and an end button 433 that are used to select document features.

The control unit searches for a document having the selected feature and identifies an operation unit operated by the document owner. Then, the input of the start button for the document is validated only from the specified operation unit.
5). Embodiment 5
Next, the image forming apparatus 5 that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The appearance of the image forming apparatus 5 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 5. Here, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
The control unit 506 of this embodiment includes a fingerprint information verification unit 510.
In addition, a fingerprint reader as a biometric information acquisition unit is added to each of the scanner unit 103, the ADF 104, the operation unit 105a, the operation unit 105b, and the operation unit 105c of the present embodiment. It is assumed that the fingerprint reading device added to each operation unit is installed in a part of the operation button unit 115 shown in FIG. 3, for example.

Since the fingerprint reader can be realized by a known technique, it will be briefly described below and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The fingerprint reading device includes a light emitting unit, a half mirror, a fingerprint reading surface, and a light receiving unit.
The light emitted from the light emitting part passes through a half mirror positioned at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the optical path of the light, and reaches a fingerprint reading surface installed perpendicular to the optical path. The light that reaches the fingerprint reading surface is reflected by the fingerprint on the fingerprint reading surface. The reflected light reflected by the fingerprint changes the optical path at an angle of 45 degrees by the above-described half mirror, and reaches the light receiving unit positioned perpendicular to the optical path of the reflected light. The light receiving unit generates fingerprint information by converting the reflected light into an electrical signal. The light receiving unit outputs the generated fingerprint information to the fingerprint information verification unit 510 of the control unit 506.

A fingerprint reading device 501 added to the scanner unit 103 reads the fingerprint of the user (original owner) and generates fingerprint information when the user sets the original on the original table.
A fingerprint reader 502 attached to the ADF 104 reads the fingerprint of the user (original owner) when the user sets an original on the original tray of the ADF 104, and generates fingerprint information.

A fingerprint reader 503a added to the operation unit 105a reads the fingerprint of the user who is operating the operation unit 105a, and generates fingerprint information.
Similarly, the fingerprint reading device 503b added to the operation unit 105b reads the fingerprint of the user operating the operation unit 105b, generates fingerprint information, and the fingerprint reading device 503c added to the operation unit 105c is The fingerprint of the user who is operating the operation unit 105c is read and fingerprint information is generated.

When the fingerprint information verification unit 510 of the control unit 506 receives fingerprint information from the scanner unit 103 or the ADF 104, the received fingerprint information is received from any operation unit among the operation unit 105a, the operation unit 105b, and the operation unit 105c. By verifying whether it matches the fingerprint information, the operation unit operated by the document owner is specified.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 5.

First, the fingerprint of the document owner is read by the fingerprint reading device 501 or the fingerprint reading device 502, and fingerprint information is generated (step S61). The fingerprint reading device 501 or the fingerprint reading device 502 outputs the generated fingerprint information to the fingerprint information verification unit 510 of the control unit 506.
Subsequently, when the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111 detects a document (step S62), the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111 notifies the control unit 506 accordingly. Step S61 and step S62 may be performed in the reverse order instead of this order.

Subsequently, when the login process is completed, each operation unit reads the user's fingerprint with the fingerprint reader attached to each operation unit, and generates fingerprint information (step S63). The fingerprint reading device of each operation unit outputs the generated fingerprint information to the fingerprint information verification unit 510 of the control unit 506.
When the fingerprint information verification unit 510 receives a document detection notification from the detection unit 110 or the detection unit 111, the fingerprint information verification unit 510 compares the fingerprint information generated in step S61 with the fingerprint information generated in step S63. Are determined to match (step S64). When fingerprint information verification unit 510 receives fingerprint information from a plurality of operation units, fingerprint information verification unit 510 determines one piece of fingerprint information in step S64.

If the fingerprint information matches (YES in step S65), only the start button from the operation unit provided with the fingerprint reader to which the matched fingerprint information is input is validated (step S66). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S67.
If the fingerprint information does not match (NO in step S65), it is determined whether all fingerprint information received from the operation unit has been compared.

If the comparison process of step S64 has not been completed for all fingerprint information (NO in step S67), the process returns to step S64 to continue the process. If the comparison process in step S64 has been completed for all fingerprint information (YES in step S67), the image forming apparatus 5 ends the process.
In the fifth embodiment, “fingerprint information matches” does not only indicate that the fingerprint information is completely matched, but fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint reader of the scanner unit 103 or the ADF 104, and the operation This includes a case where an error from the fingerprint information generated by the fingerprint reading device of a certain part is a predetermined value or less.

In the fifth embodiment, the fingerprint is used. However, in addition to the fingerprint, the operation unit operated by the user who sets the document using other biological information such as an iris, a finger vein pattern, a voice print, and a handwriting is used. It is good also as composition to specify.
Further, as in the fifth embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 5 provided with the fingerprint reading device that reads the user's fingerprint, the operation of operating the user's fingerprint by the document owner or the document owner It may be used not only for specifying the copy, but also for authentication when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 5.

Specifically, the control unit 506 includes a user information management unit and an authentication unit for performing user login processing. In the user information management unit, a user ID and fingerprint information of a user who can use the image forming apparatus 5 are registered in advance. In addition to the user ID and fingerprint information, the user information management unit may further register a password.
In each operation unit, when accepting a user's login request, the fingerprint reading device provided in each operation unit reads the user's fingerprint to generate fingerprint information.

Each operation unit transmits a login request, a user ID input by the user, and the generated fingerprint information to the control unit 506. The authentication unit of the control unit 506 compares the fingerprint information received from each operation unit with the fingerprint information registered in the user information management unit, and the user associated with the login request uses the image forming apparatus 5. It is determined whether or not the user can be used.
If the received fingerprint information matches the registered fingerprint information, the authentication unit determines that the user can use the image forming apparatus 5, and the login process by the control unit 506 is normally terminated. . The authentication unit determines that the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 5 when the received fingerprint information does not match the registered fingerprint information.

  According to the present invention, in an industry that manufactures and sells an image forming apparatus including a plurality of operation units, the owner of a document is specified by specifying an operation unit that is operated by the owner of the document set on the document table. However, it can be used as a technique for preventing unintended operations and preventing waste of resources and information leakage.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Image forming apparatus 4 Image forming apparatus 5 Image forming apparatus 101 FAX part 102 Printer part 103 Scanner part 104 ADF
105a operation unit 105b operation unit 105c operation unit 106 control unit 110 detection unit 111 detection unit 206 control unit 210 operation order storage unit 301 image data storage unit 306 control unit 401 image analysis unit 406 control unit 501 fingerprint reading device 502 fingerprint reading device 503a Fingerprint reader 503b Fingerprint reader 503c Fingerprint reader 506 Control unit 510 Fingerprint information verification unit

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus that reads an original and generates image data,
Detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a document;
A plurality of operation units for accepting user operations;
When the detection unit detects a document, input information indicating the relationship between the detected document and the user is received from one or more operation units, and the content of the received input information is determined to determine the owner of the document. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that identifies an operation unit that is operating from among the plurality of operation units. Each of the plurality of operation units includes display means,
The control means includes
An inquiry screen for inquiring the user as to whether or not the owner of the document is displayed on the display means of the plurality of operation units,
The input information that is a response to the inquiry screen is received from one or more operation units,
2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit that determines the content of the input information and transmits an affirmative response is identified as the operation unit operated by the document owner. apparatus. The control means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inquiry screens are output to a display unit of each operation unit in an order in which each operation unit starts accepting an operation by a user. The control means includes
An operation order storage unit that stores the order in which each operation unit starts accepting operations by the user,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inquiry screen is output to a display unit of each operation unit in an order stored in the operation order storage unit. The image forming apparatus includes:
An image reading unit that reads a document placed on a document table and generates image data;
A data storage unit for storing image data generated by the image reading unit,
The control unit identifies an owner of the document after image data is generated by the image reading unit and the generated image data is stored in the data storage unit. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
An automatic document feeder that automatically conveys a document placed on a document tray to a document table;
The data storage unit stores a plurality of image data generated from a plurality of documents including the document,
The control means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an operation unit operated by an owner of each document corresponding to each image data is specified for the plurality of image data stored in the data storage unit. . The control means includes
Outputting a selection screen for allowing the user to select his or her own document from the plurality of documents on the display means of the plurality of operation units;
The input information that is a user's selection for the selection screen is received from the plurality of operation units,
The owner of each manuscript corresponding to each image data selects the operation unit that the user has selected as the manuscript for the plurality of image data stored in the data storage unit by determining the contents of the input information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an operating unit being operated is specified. The control means includes
An image analysis unit for analyzing the image data stored in the data storage unit;
Output a feature information input screen for inputting features of the original document to the display means of the plurality of operation units,
Receiving the input information that is input to the feature information input screen from the plurality of operation units;
The image analysis unit identifies an operation unit operated by an owner of the plurality of documents by analyzing image data stored in the data storage unit according to the content of the input information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. The image forming apparatus includes:
A document table or an automatic document feeder provided with a biometric information acquisition unit for acquiring biometric information of a user;
The biometric information acquisition unit acquires the biometric information of the owner when the document owner sets the document on a document table or an automatic document feeder.
Each of the plurality of operation units includes a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user as the input information,
The control means includes
A biometric information authenticating unit that compares the biometric information of the owner with the biometric information of a user who operates each operation unit;
2. The operation unit that is determined by the biometric information authentication unit that an error between both pieces of biometric information is equal to or less than a predetermined value is specified as the operation unit operated by the owner. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus includes:
The biometric authentication information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit of each operation unit is used for authentication processing when a user operating the operation unit logs in to the image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving a print instruction relating to the original from an operation unit operated by an owner of the original, and prohibiting a print instruction relating to the original from an operation unit operated by a user other than the owner of the original. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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